‘Locktober’ explained as expert issues warning over major hygiene risk
October is a very busy month indeed when it comes to 31-day challenges.
Just to name a couple, there's 'Stoptober', which means no smoking all month, or 'Sober October', which means no drinking, but there's also a ritual all to do with your sex life known as 'Locktober'.
Locktober is, in short, a month-long sexual-restraint trend centred around chastity which comes at a time when abstinence itself is having something of a celebrity moment.
From Khloé Kardashian reaching a four-year celibacy milestone to Maura Higgins openly embracing a break from sex and dating, famous faces are increasingly proving that sometimes the hottest thing you can do is apparently to just opt out.
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In light of the trend, Lovehoney's Sexpert, Annabelle Knight, has exclusively explained to Tyla all we need to know about Locktober - and whether there are any actual major benefits, or risks, associated with the bedroom trend.
What is Locktober?
Annabelle says that whilst there isn’t a clear origin of Locktober, it’s essentially an online sexual challenge where, for the month of October, people interested in chastity play, a form of BDSM, abstain from, or restrict, sexual activity.
"Those who want to take part might use chastity devices, whilst others simply incorporate elements of denial or delayed gratification without using a physical device," she noted.
The sexpert also outlined that there can often be a misconception that Locktober is exclusively for men, but any consenting adult can participate.
"It’s better understood as a kink or sexual challenge rather than something that is specific to one gender," Annabelle added.
For anyone not in the know, a chastity device is a physical locking item worn over the genitals to prevent sexual intercourse, masturbation, or specific forms of stimulation.
And it may not just be things worn on the nether regions that signify you're hopping on board the Locktober trend, as some people display it loud and proud in the form of a padlock necklace worn around their neck.
A 'Locktober necklace' typically refers to a padlock-and-key or 'gatekeeper' pendant necklace worn during the Locktober period. With that said, however, it's probably best not to assume that anyone who wears a padlock round their neck is practising the kinky trend - it may just be an edgy fashion statement!
While such devices have often been portrayed as a way of preventing sexual activity, today people use them for a number of reasons, from role play and BDSM to personal preference.
Annabelle continued: "The appeal of Locktober isn’t necessarily the restriction itself, but what it can do to anticipation, communication and sexual exploration.
"For some people, taking orgasm off the table can heighten anticipation and make sexual experiences feel more intense. For couples, it can also be a way to explore control and power dynamics in a consensual setting."
She summarised: "Locktober provides an opportunity to experiment and help anyone who may be curious explore whether chastity is something they enjoy."
Are there any benefits of Locktober?
According to the sexpert, one of the 'biggest benefits' of Locktober can be the opportunity to communicate more openly about sex.
"Trying something like Locktober can encourage partners to discuss their boundaries, desires and what they’re comfortable with, which can ultimately help create a more satisfying sex life," Annabelle suggests, adding that it can also bring about an element of novelty and anticipation.
"Delayed gratification can be exciting for some people, particularly when it forms part of an established power dynamic or BDSM relationship. However, it goes without saying that everyone’s experience will be different."
Are there any risks of Locktober?
"As with any sexual activity involving restriction, consent and safety should come first," Annabelle stated. "Anyone using a chastity device should make sure it fits correctly and pay attention to any pain, numbness, swelling, skin irritation or signs of restricted circulation."
She also flagged the importance of hygiene when wearing a device for extended periods, adding that 'there should always be a way to remove it quickly if something doesn’t feel right'.
Annabelle concluded: "Ultimately, Locktober should be about consensual exploration rather than pressure.
"There’s no need to follow a particular set of rules, and nobody should feel they have to push through discomfort simply to complete the challenge."
Reckon you'll be giving it a go?
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Dating trends, Life, Tyla Exclusive, Dating
Rhiannon Ingle